Impact of Climate Variability on Zoonotic Disease Emergence in Flood-Prone Communities in Anambra State

Climate variability including erratic rainfall and increasing flood frequency is recognized as a driver of emerging zoonotic disease patterns in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the impact of climate variability on zoonotic disease emergence in flood-prone communities in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A longitudinal ecological design was employed. Five-year climate data including annual rainfall and flood event records were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and matched with zoonotic disease occurrence data from state health records and veterinary reports. A community-level survey of 150 households in high-risk flood zones assessed perceptions of disease-climate linkage and protective behavior adoption. Statistical analysis including Pearson correlation and regression modeling was applied. Results showed positive correlations between annual rainfall and reported cases of leptospirosis, cholera, and diarrheal disease in communities with livestock cohabitation. Flooding events were associated with spikes in zoonotic disease reports within a two-week window. Community awareness of climate-disease linkages was low at 19.3%. The study concludes that climate variability is a measurable driver of zoonotic disease emergence in Anambra flood communities and that climate-sensitive health surveillance systems are needed. Integration of weather forecasting into disease early warning systems, elevation of flood response protocols, and community education on climate-related disease risk are recommended. Keywords: climate variability, zoonotic disease, flooding, Anambra State, disease emergence